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 WORMS:
What type of worms can my cat get?
The most common worms in this country are those which live in
the intestines - the roundworm and the tapeworm. Roundworms
are usually more of a problem in younger animals, but their
significance shouldn't be ignored in older cats. Although rarely
diagnosed, cats can also contract a worm which lives in the
airways of the lungs. Suspicions may be raised when a cat has
a long-standing cough which is poorly responsive to the usual
treatments.
How can I tell if my cat has worms?
If your cat has a heavy worm burden there are likely to be obvious
clinical signs. The cat is usually bright and has a good or
voracious appetite but it may be thin and its coat can be in
poor condition. The worms may cause gut upsets, so bouts of
vomiting and diarrhoea are not uncommon. Worms may be present
in faeces or vomit. Roundworms look like small lengths of spaghetti,
while entire tapeworms have a more flattened appearance and
look like tagliatelle.
 Tapeworms
usually shed little segments which pass down through the intestines
and out of the anus. The segments, which resemble rice grains,
may be visible round the cat's anus. Cats are usually symptomless
if they are carrying a low level of worms so even if your cat
looks perfectly healthy, you can't assume it is free of worms.
How does my cat pick up worms?
Roundworm eggs are passed in the faeces and are very common
in the environment. A cat may be infected if it encounters an
area which has been soiled. Other species can become infected
with roundworms if they come in contact with the eggs. In this
situation, the worms don't develop in the intestines but lie
as cysts in the body tissues. If a cat then eats the infected
host, the worms are released from the tissues and develop into
mature worms in the cat's intestines. Breeding female cats can
also transmit the worms through their milk to kittens. Tapeworms
have to go through a similar stage of development in another
species. The most common of these intermediate hosts are fleas,
birds and mice.
Can I be at risk from cat worms?
Most of us are well aware of the dangers of the dog roundworm,
but fewer people realise that cat roundworms can cause similar
problems. From the worm's point of view, people are no different
to any other animal, so we can become infected if we are exposed
to the eggs. In most cases, this causes no ill-health, but if
the worm migrates to a delicate or sensitive area such as the
eye, it can cause serious problems.
How can I treat my cat?
A number of worming preparations are available. Until recently,
worming treatment usually involved repeated doses of enormous
tables which often caused stomach upsets. Roundworms can now
be effectively and easily treated with a powder which is mixed
in with the food. It's rare for cats to turn their nose up at
this. For tiny kittens or adults suspicious of adulterated food,
the same drug is available as a suspension so it can be squirted
into the cat's mouth. Tapeworms can be treated with tablets,
and there is also an injection which is useful for the less
co-operative adult cat. Your veterinary surgeon can supply you
with a complete all-in-one worming tablet which only needs to
be given on one occasion and will eliminate both round- and
tapeworm. Your veterinary surgeon can also supply two different
types of spot on preparation, one of which will treat roundworms,
the other tapeworms, which are useful for cats who aren't impressed
with tablets or injections.
How often do I have to treat my cat?
The majority of kittens will be carrying roundworms so they
should all be wormed. Treatment can start as soon as they start
eating solid food and should be repeated at regular intervals
until they are a few months old. Adult cats should be wormed
every six months or so throughout life. Very active hunters
may need worming every two months. If your cat is found to be
carrying tapeworms, it should be also be treated for fleas.
Individual worming requirements may differ so ask your veterinary
surgeon about the best regime for your cat.
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